Citizens initiative points out shortcomings in Curchorem riot report

(Gomantak Times, 20/4/07, p.4)

CICH points out shortcomings in Curchorem riot report

The report into the March 2006 Curchorem riots did not go far enough in identifying the instigators of the violence, beyond discussing the pre-planned nature of the riots and that organised rumour-mongering was the mechanism by which they were engineered, a delegation from Citizens' Initiatives for Communal Harmony (CICH) has pointed out to the government. Despite adequate available evidence, including video evidence of a press conference by the Leader of the Opposition, Manohar Parrikar, in which he talked of armed outsiders gathering at Sanvordem-Curchorem, the report names only Sharmad Raiturkar and one other local miscreant as having been involved in the rumour-mongering. The delegation, which first met the Chief Minister and was directed to the Chief Secretary, further pointed out that report had failed to look at the aspect of instigation of violence.

This gives an impression of impunity -- unless the instigators at higher levels are identified and prosecuted, the impression that will go out is that one can indulge in such acts and get away with it.

The delegation suggested entrusting the enquiry to an outside agency like the CBI or the NHRC, as has also been suggested by the report itself, and demanded constitution of a State Human Rights Commission and a State Minorities Commission, a long-standing people's demand.

With regard to compensation, the report itself has pointed out that the procedures are faulty and the compensation itself is grossly inadequate, with many genuine cases having been left out entirely.

The Chief Secretary shared the concern, and assured that the entire matter of compensation would be looked into carefully. Finally, the CICH delegation stressed the need to ensure that the Muslim community in Guddemol be given place and permission to build a madrasa/mosque as desired by them. They linked this demand to the problem being faced by Muslims all over Goa when they try and create spaces for practicing their faith.

In the most recent instance, even the long-standing and legitimate demand for a kabrastan in Margao has become the focus of protests. Denying the Muslim community such basic rights is a denial of justice and goes against the basic provisions of the Constitution.